A veteran police officer with one of the nation's most prominent transit systems appeared in federal court today in connection to charges that he tried to help ISIS.

Authorities believe that officer Nicholas Young, while working for the Metro Transit Police Department in Washington, D.C. — a community he swore to protect — was trying to assist ISIS operatives find more ways to communicate in secret.

Young, thin and bearded, appeared briefly in court in Alexandria, Virginia, this afternoon, arriving in handcuffs and wearing what appeared to be pants from his police uniform and a white T-shirt.

Asked by the judge whether he has a lawyer or would like one appointed, he paused and eventually said, "I'd like an attorney." He did not enter a plea.

A second hearing is set for Thursday at 2 p.m., at which time he will have an attorney to discuss when to hold detention and preliminary hearings.

If convicted of the charges against him, Young faces up to 20 years in prison.